Cheri Church, of Travel Brokers, Inc. in Fenton, constantly checks her computer for the latest travel information, including airline fees that will affect her clients.

Restaurants aren't the only industry serving a la carte. If
you're planning to travel by air this holiday season, you may
notice that airlines are now turning to seat options as a way to
collect additional fees beyond the price of the actual ticket.

"The biggest new fees are coming from airlines like Delta, that
are charging for what they call premium seats," said Cheri Church,
owner of Travel Brokers, Inc. in Fenton. "Your aisle seat, window
seat or emergency exit seat may cost you more than a middle seat or
seat at the rear of the plane."

The new seating fees are the latest hikes in an industry that
has raised prices up to 20 percent this year alone. Baggage fees,
which were implemented by airlines three years ago to keep fares
down when fueling costs skyrocketed, have become almost standard
across the industry.

The only major airline that hasn't jumped on the baggage fee
bandwagon is Southwest Airlines, according to Church. Dallas-based
Southwest Airlines acquired Orlando-based Air Tran earlier this
year. Air Tran continues to charge $20 for the first checked bag
and $25 for the second checked bag, each half of a round-trip
destination.

The worst airline for charging extra fees, according to Church,
is Spirit Airlines. Spirit is the only carrier to have added fees
for travelers who wait to pay for carry-on or checked luggage
within 24 hours of departure: an extra $5 on top of the carry-on
fee when paying online and an extra $10 when paying over the phone.
Fliers who pay for carry-on bags early - and aren't members of the
airline's fare club - pay $30 for a carry-on that won't fit under
the seat.

Spirit became the only U.S. carrier to charge for carry-on bags
when it instituted new fees in April 2010. Paying for carry-on bags
at the airport now will cost $40 at the airport check-in counter or
kiosk and $45 at the gate.

Flyers that travel with overweight bags will also get socked
with extra fees. Most carriers charge for bags weighing more than
50 pounds. Spirit Airlines charges an additional $25 for bags
weighing more than 40 pounds, in addition to the checked-bag
charge. Checked-bag fees start at $28 for the first bag checked
online or by phone - 24 hours in advance - for travelers who aren't
part of the airline's fare club. Bags weighing more than 50 pounds
on Spirit incur $50 to $100 overweight baggage fees, depending on
weight.

"The only way we can say on top of all the fees is to keep our
website up to date," added Church. "We make sure our customers know
about the website, because these fees change so often."

Airport travelers will want to adhere strictly to
Transportation Safety Administration policies relating to security,
such as only carrying 3 oz. or less of liquids or gels, in
containers that fit into a quarter-size plastic bag. "Travelers
today are utilizing more of their hotel's personal hygiene items,
so they don't have to worry about the restrictions," said
Church.

TSA is also very strict about a traveler's name on his or her
ticket, which has to exactly match the name as printed on a
driver's license or passport. "You can't be off by even a letter,"
said Church. "They can deny you entrance onto the aircraft."

There are some bright spots, however, in the world of air
travel. Some airlines are beginning to respond to the needs of
travelers who are seeking comfort on long flights. Called Economy
Comfort, these coach seats provide four more inches of legroom, a
larger seat, more room to recline and better service. One example
is a Detroit to Amsterdam flight from Delta Airlines.

"A lot of airlines are going to start doing this," said Church.
"We'll see more domestic East Coast/West Coast flights offering
Economy Comfort, plus flights to Hawaii. The extra ticket charge is
about $75 to $125 per seat, much less than flying first-class or
business. It's a good option for many people."

The best way to ensure smooth travel, especially during the
holidays, is to use the services of a travel agent, or to book a
trip on-line using their website. "You get the best of both worlds
that way," said Church. "You can use the Internet to plan your
trip, but book it through an agency. That way, we can help you if
you run into a snag while you're traveling. Otherwise, you're out
of luck."

Baggage fees at a glance

These fees are used only as an example. Depending upon whether a
traveler checks in on-line, in advance, or at the check-in the day
of travel, will determine the exact fees charged. For more exact
information, contact your travel agent, the airline website or
visit www.iflybags.com.